Okay, so we’ve established that a wine destined for sangria should be something wallet-friendly, which means that yes, Aldi’s Winking Owl and Trader Joe’s Two-Buck Chuck (or Four-Buck, or whatever it is now) are both on the table. As for the type of wine, though, that depends on the sangria you’re planning to make. If you’re sticking with the standard red kind, a merlot or pinot noir could work, although a cab sav or shiraz may be too high in tannins and these tend not to taste their best when served cold. If you’re venturing a bit farther afield, a budget-priced grenache or malbec might also be a good pick.

For white sangria, the ever-popular pinot grigio would work quite well, as would the blanc sisters, chenin and sauvignon. A tart and fruity riesling would pair well with summery fruits such as strawberries, while a light-bodied rose could be used to add some pretty pink color. For an extra-festive take on sangria, you can give it a little bit of the bubbly (bonus points if you know which famous wrestler’s catchphrase this is) by using sparkling wine. You may choose to opt for a brut or Spanish Cava if you prefer a less sugary drink or plan to add additional sweeteners to the mix, but if you like things super-sweet, you could pick a less dry prosecco or spumante.